Phil Rajzman claimed his second World Surf League (WSL) Men's Longboard Tour title, in Riyue Bay, Hainan Island, China.
The Brazilian rider won the last event of the season and raised the most coveted trophy in longboarding. Rajzman, who had won his first title nine years ago, defeated Steven Sawyer in the Jeep World Longboard Championship final.
"This does not feel real. I feel like it won't hit me properly for a few days. This event is so amazing because us longboarders only catch up a few times a year and we are like a big family. I am just so happy," expressed Phil Rajzman.
Rajzman put out a solid display and built his overall score with the first two waves of the final. Despite Sawyer's attempts to take the lead, the Brazilian ended up victorious with his 17.34.
"In 2007, I was young and didn't work too hard for it and didn't think too much about winning the title. This one is different - it's nine years later, and I have been working so hard to keep surfing at a high level. All of the work has paid off, and it is so important to me. This is the greatest win of all."
On the ladies' side, Tory Gilkerson beat Chloe Calmon in the final and made sure the Women's Longboard Tour title stays in San Clemente. The Californian longboarder is the new world champion.
"This means a lot to me. It was really stressful out there. I've been working on staying calm and smooth, and I think that helped me this year," concluded Gilkerson.
Surfing against the best women longboarders in the world is an honor and I put a lot of pressure on myself to perform at this level. To win the whole thing is just amazing."
2016 Jeep World Longboard Championship | Finals
Men
1. Phil Rajzman (BRA)
2. Steven Sawyer (ZAF)
Women
1. Tory Gilkerson (USA)
2. Chloe Calmon (BRA)
